18th Century Makeup

The rococo period really stands apart from the Victorian era when it comes makeup and 18th century makeup was not strictly relegated to the female gender alone. Men powdered their faces and wigs just as women did. Pale skin was a symbol of the aristocrat so 18th century makeup in those days was moreso a a symbol of class distinction rather than a simple beauty aesthetic. The powder consisted of lead despite knowledge that it was harmful. The centerpiece of 18th century makeup is the paleness of the face. Eye makeup was not in vogue, but the brows were darkened using mouse fur. The lips should be pronounced and a deep red, an ideal contrast from the pale face. Rouge came in the form of pink and usually started just below the eye and down to the jaw bone. Various patterns were done when it come to rouge; it was a nice circular pattern for bourgeois women and more pronounced designs such as an upside down triangle position for upper class women.

The French and British were the epicenters of fashion, but it was the French who really brought 18th century makeup to another level. The British did not heavily powder and spread rouge over their faces until the late 18th century. The Victorian period would see makeup done in a more natural manner that would blend well with natural skin tone and makeup by that time would be strictly for women. However, 18th century makeup was more about exaggeration and a way for the upper classes to stand out among the common populace. Only an elite few had the resources and methods to wear such heavy makeup while the lower classes had neither the time nor the money to wear any sort of makeup.